Ghaleb Cachalia accuses DA of stifling freedom of speech after Israel/Gaza comments

by | Nov 10, 2023

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John Steenhuisen has faced criticism after demoting MP Cachalia for weighing into foreign affairs against the stated position of the party

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DA senior MP Ghaleb Cachalia has been removed from the party’s shadow cabinet by leader John Steenhuisen for publicly condemning Israel’s actions against Gaza. For some commentators, and for Cachalia himself, the move raises concerns about the DA’s handling of dissent and its commitment to freedom speech.

While the professional maintenance of public messaging is normal for any political party, the suffocating atmosphere that typifies South African political parties, whether Liberal or Charterist, has been criticised in the past for its suppression of robust debate and critical engagement with important issues.

Contacts within the DA have told us that those who support issues contrary to Executive Committee policy are afraid to utter dissent even in private, particularly as relates to Cape independence.

That said, Cachalia’s statements are a dramatic departure from the party’s stated foreign-policy alignment, which has seen the party weigh into several foreign policy issues on the contrary side to the ANC, notably the Ukraine-Russia war, which earned them the praise of the Western-aligned faction of the UN General Assembly.

Some commentators accused the party of double-standards, regarding the comments made by Helen Zille that the legacy of Western colonialism wasn’t entirely negative. However, Zille was subjected to disciplinary action, and the comments did not constitute a dramatic contradiction of any official policy position taken by the party.

Cachalia’s dismissal may impact the party’s reputation, especially among Western Cape voters, as the nation approaches next year’s elections. The Western Cape is home to a substantial Muslim population, as well as one of the biggest Jewish communities in the country, providing ample opportunity for clashes.

Despite the criticism and the demotion, Cachalia remains a DA MP, and intends to pursue his outspoken position on foreign events.

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